Northwestern Pre-College Programs

Session #1 - From Idea to Red Carpet

Professor: Joao Queriroga
Dates: May 23 - 27, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)

Course Overview:
In this summer course, students will gain an understanding of how sound, cinematography, lighting and editing are used to create a powerful story. Students will practice the requirements and rigors of filmmaking while experiencing the exhilaration of completing their first short-film.

1. Ability to use audio, video, and editing technology to successfully communicate messages and create meaningful and entertaining stories.
2. Competency with professional vocabulary used in the production of audio, video and editing.
3. Capability to work with others in a productive and collaborative manner.

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Session #2 - Mobile Game Design

Professor: Spencer Striker, PhD
Dates: May 31 - June 3, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)

Course Overview:
Great games can immerse us in wondrous, compelling new worlds. And now, with the rise of mobile game technology—rich, compelling interactive experiences are available inexpensively, in your pocket, and at your fingertips. This course guides you through the essentials of mobile game design and development, including such topics as: picking the right engine, building a cross-functional team, developing artwork, integrating sound, prototyping, bug triage, polishing, publishing and marketing. 

 Along the way, we examine the role of the game designer—including the process of generating ideas, writing professional game design documents, and defining core loops, mechanics, dynamics, and systems. Next, we dive into character systems and the mechanics of chance, skill, tactics, and strategy. We define what makes mobile game design unique from desktop or console, including such considerations and affordances as UI (user interface) and UX (user experience), screen resolution, touch and swipe, the accelerometer, and optimizing for performance across operating systems and devices—including iOS and Android, phone and tablet. In addition, students learn to pitch their ideas and explain how their game works—and why users will love it. We look at how to develop a game design portfolio in order to break into the game industry. 

Learning Outcomes:
Students should come away from this course on Mobile Game Design inspired by this fascinating subject; equipped with a balance of theoretical understanding and practical skills; and equipped with the beginnings of a game design portfolio, (which can be built upon). Upon completion of Mobile Game Design, students will be able to:

1. Analyze game design critically, from the perspective of a maker—and be able to communicate these creative insights clearly, in both written and spoken form.  
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the state of the art of the mobile game design industry, via playing, researching, analyzing and discussing a wide variety of mobile games. 
3. Having taken original game ideas from concept to execution: demonstrate practical understanding of the mobile game design process, both individually and in teams.

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Session #3 – Reimagining Your Short Story: Understand the Power of Storytelling

Professor: Hanan Hindi, PhD
Dates: October 17 - 21, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)

Course Overview:
Today’s world provides an opportunity where everyone can share or create a story. Understand the power of storytelling and how it echoes through the world and through generations. This one-week program will shed light on the most important elements of storytelling and character development. Students will learn and create their own stories to share with the world.

1. What is the importance of storytelling in all its forms?
2. What role does a short story play in shaping our understanding of a community/culture?
3. What are the elements of a short story?
4. How do we develop a character to achieve and contribute to our theme?

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Admission

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• 14-19 years of age at the start of the program.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling weekly-basis and decisions typically released within two weeks via e-mail.
• There are limited spaces available and students are encouraged to apply early.
• The deadline to submit an application for Summer E-Seminars is May 16, 2021.

Program Costs & Scholarships

• Program Cost (per seminar): 1,850 QAR.
• A limited number of scholarships will be awarded with preference to students who are currently in their junior year (Qatar/USA Grade 11, UK Grade 12), demonstrate financial need, and hold strong academic and extracurricular achievement.
• Students can identify if they are interested in a Tuition Scholarship during the application process.
• All Scholarship recipients will be notified of the scholarship evaluation committee’s decision on May 18, 2021 via email.